AutoVignette
United Kingdom Dart Charge

UK Dart Charge, handled automatically

The Dart Charge applies to the Dartford Crossing east of London, where the A282 links the M25 between Kent and Essex. There are no payment booths. Cameras read the vehicle’s number plate as it crosses. AutoVignette helps detect supported crossings, create automatic purchase requests, and keep the payment status visible while you drive.

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Scroll for UK Dart Charge details
No payment booths The crossing uses free-flow charging. You do not stop at a booth to pay.
Bridge southbound, tunnels northbound Southbound traffic uses the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, while northbound traffic uses the two Dartford Tunnels. The crossing links Kent and Essex east of London.
Charged from 6am to 10pm The Dart Charge applies every day, including weekends and bank holidays, for crossings made between 6am and 10pm. Crossings between 10pm and 6am are free.
how it works

Automatic Dart Charge handling in three steps

Set up your vehicle once, keep detection enabled, and follow the Dart Charge status directly in AutoVignette.

01

Set up the vehicle

Add the number plate, registration country, vehicle type, make, model, colour and payment method. Make sure the vehicle details match the vehicle that will use the Dartford Crossing.

02

Use the Dartford Crossing with detection enabled

When you approach or use the supported Dartford Crossing, AutoVignette uses location signals to determine whether an automatic Dart Charge purchase request may be required.

03

Follow the status

The app shows request progress and status. If you are not relying on automatic handling, make a one-off payment before crossing or by midnight on the following day.

Dartford Crossing

The UK crossing currently covered here

The Dartford Crossing carries the A282 across the River Thames east of London and connects directly with the M25. Southbound journeys normally use the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, while northbound journeys use the Dartford Tunnels. Dart Charge is separate from the London Congestion Charge and other London road-charging schemes.

Where it is A282 Dartford Crossing between Dartford in Kent and Thurrock in Essex, connecting with the M25 at both ends.
How payment works Free-flow charging only. Cameras read the vehicle’s number plate and the charge is paid online, through a Dart Charge account, or through supported automatic handling.
Cars and small passenger vehicles GBP 3.50 per crossing as a one-off payment for cars, cars with trailers, motorhomes and minibuses with no more than 9 seats including the driver.
Vans, buses and goods vehicles GBP 4.20 per crossing for buses, coaches, vans and other 2-axle goods vehicles; GBP 8.40 for those vehicle types with more than 2 axles.
Motorcycles and exemptions Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes are free. Vehicles exempt from UK vehicle tax because of disability are also checked automatically and do not pay.
If you pay late If the charge is not paid on time, a GBP 70 Penalty Charge Notice can be issued. It is reduced to GBP 35 if paid within 14 days and increased to GBP 105 if left unpaid, in addition to the original crossing charge.
ready before Dartford

Download AutoVignette before your next trip through the Dartford Crossing

Set up the vehicle once, keep detection enabled, and keep the Dart Charge status visible in the app while you drive.

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frequently asked questions

UK Dart Charge FAQ

Short answers for drivers who want the core facts about the Dartford Crossing and the UK Dart Charge currently supported in AutoVignette.

What UK road charge is currently relevant for AutoVignette?

This page currently focuses on the Dart Charge for the A282 Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex.

How do I pay the Dart Charge?

You can pay in advance or by midnight the day after crossing. There are no payment booths. With the right settings enabled, AutoVignette can create supported automatic purchase requests.

How much does the Dart Charge cost?

The current one-off rate is GBP 3.50 for cars and similar passenger vehicles, GBP 4.20 for 2-axle vans, buses and goods vehicles, and GBP 8.40 for those vehicle types with more than 2 axles. Motorcycles are free.

Do vehicles with foreign number plates also have to pay?

Yes. Non-UK vehicles use the same Dart Charge payment channels and their number plates can be recognised by the crossing’s camera system.

What happens if I forget to pay?

If you do not pay by midnight the day after crossing, you can receive a GBP 70 Penalty Charge Notice. The amount can fall to GBP 35 for prompt payment or rise to GBP 105 if unpaid, plus the original charge.

Does Dart Charge cover other London road charges?

No. Dart Charge covers only the Dartford Crossing. It is separate from the London Congestion Charge, the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charge, and other UK road charges.